BIRMINGHAM'S Cabinet voted for a super-casino at the National Exhibition Centre on the basis of flawed and incorrect information, it emerged today.

Karren Brady, champion of the Blues' losing bid, today demanded a re-run of the contest because of the gaffe.

"How could such a basic error happen?" she asked. "This is yet another example of where it it seems there has not been a level playing field for both bids.

"The prize for Birmingham is a big one - and this mistake could make the difference. The decision is too important to be based on false information, and the time to put it right is fast running out."

The Cabinet was told by city leader Coun Mike Whitby that only one super-casino was being allowed -and that it would take an Act of Parliament to allow more. But he admitted today his advice had been wrong.

Only a Ministerial order is required to increase the number - a policy Birmingham has been at the forefront of lobbying for together with other local authorities.

Blues backers contend that if more super-casinos are allowed, Birmingham will be excluded unless the city declares an interest by an end of March deadline.

Instead the Cabinet has voted not to put forward a city bid but to support a super-casino at the NEC - a project which has to be submitted by neighbouring Solihull.

Coun Whitby confessed today that "upon further investigation" his advice to his colleagues had been found to be inaccurate.

But he maintained the error did not change the substance of his Cabinet's decision. Any increase in the number of super-casinos would trigger off another bidding round, he maintained.

And Birmingham would then be in a position to put a city super-casino project forward.